ABSTRACT
Granular metals are phase separated nanostructured composites that consist of a metallic component in combination with an immiscible insulator, semiconductor, or metal. Although these unique materials have been studied since the early 1960s, it was not until the late 1960s and early 1970s that the first systematic studies were carried out [1]. The majority of this work was devoted to the study of structural, transport, and magnetic properties. More recently, granular metals have again become the focus of considerable experimental and theoretical interest. As a result of these efforts, it is now known that granular metals exhibit many interesting, and in some cases unexpected, physical properties. While considerable progress has been made in the understanding and application of these properties, many opportunities for further study and development remain.
